4-times US Open winner John McEnroe stated it might be “a joke” if Novak Djokovic is unable to compete on the ultimate Grand Slam of the yr beginning later this month attributable to his Covid vaccination standing.

Djokovic has refused to take the vaccine and seems set to overlook out attributable to present US guidelines that require travellers to point out proof of full vaccination to board flights to and enter the USA.

The Serbian beforehand stated he was ready to overlook Grand Slam tournaments that require collaborating gamers to be vaccinated towards Covid. At present, Djokovic stays on the entry checklist for the August 29-September 11 match in New York.

“I do not suppose it is truthful,” McEnroe instructed reporters on Tuesday. “I feel it is a joke.

“I might have had the vaccine and gone and performed however he is acquired very robust beliefs and it’s important to respect that.

“At this level, within the pandemic, we’re two-and-a-half years in, I feel folks in all elements of the world know extra about it, and the concept he cannot journey right here to play, to me is a joke.”

Djokovic was unable to defend his Australian Open crown this yr after being deported from the nation over his vaccination standing in January.

Rafa Nadal claimed victory within the match in Melbourne to maneuver away from Djokovic and Roger Federer along with his twenty first main trophy. Nadal then went on so as to add one other Grand Slam title to his tally on the French Open, preserving him forward of Djokovic, who gained Wimbledon final month.

When requested if Djokovic’s probabilities of ending above his rivals by way of Grand Slam victories had been being affected by his absences from main tournaments, McEnroe stated: “That is the query that all of us wish to know the reply to.

“Clearly, Rafa Nadal has benefited from that. If a man has gained the Australian Open eight or 9 occasions, you’ll suppose (Djokovic blew) an opportunity in a approach.

“These three guys are already above everybody else. Rafa was capable of pull off a miraculous win that not many individuals anticipated in Australia. Novak acquired there at Wimbledon after which Rafa acquired harm.”

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